National Science Centre Museum

The National Science Centre Museum is located on Bhairon Road within the Pragati Maidan Complex before Gate No. 1. The nearest metro link is the Pragati Maidan Metro Station and tourists can reach this area via local transport also. This Museum was established with the main aim to enhance interest amongst people and students in the field of Science and its elements. This centre was inaugurated on 9th January 1992 as one of the best and largest Centre of Science and an autonomous body under the National Council of Science Museum or 'NCSM' which falls under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture of the Indian Government and homes one of the best models of Scientific interests, artefacts and interesting exhibitions.

The National Science Centre homes a huge library, an expandable and inflatable Planetarium, a souvenir shop and a Cyber School where students and teachers can attend various short term courses arranged by the School authorities. The museum has numerous galleries designed as per the theme of the elements being displayed based on the various laws and theories of Science being demonstrated practically for the better understanding of visitors and students especially. On display are different contributions of Indian Nobel Prize Scientist and prominent personalities in the field of Science and Mathematics.

The Science and Technology Heritage Gallery that spreads over an area of 960 square metres depicts the gradual growth of Scientific and Technological wealth of India over the last 4,500 years via 91 exhibitions. It reveals that the knowledge of science like the attributes of atom, concepts of matter and mass, golden rule of 3, Power of 10, Square root, cube root and cosmic evolution were embedded within the Indian minds for almost more that 2,500 years including the invention of zero which was first conceptualised and thought of in India and all these findings were then adapted by the Europeans some 1000 years later only. Ancient Indians showed immense interest in stars and their constellations, study of moon and the sun were done some 3,000 years ago in India and Jantar Mantar Observatory in New Delhi is a perfect example to quote which was created by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II during the 18th Century AD. Another example is an ancient Book named 'Hridaya' which is based on the Traditional Indian Medicine also known as 'Ayurveda' and was written sometime between the 1st Century and 7th Century AD which is being referred to by numerous Ayurvedic practitioners even today. Today, India has seen an immense progress in the field of Information Technology, Space and Nuclear Science, Biotechnology, Food and Energy production and many others which are being extensively showcased with pride via this museum.

The Human Biology Gallery lies on the 4th Floor of this museum spanning over an area of 9000 sq. ft. with over 60 exhibitions on display. It was conceptualised after immense feedback from all visitors who wanted the museum to showcase the aspects of a Human Body being the most essential part of the Scientific World especially its evolution and functional aspects. The gallery displays all the attributes of a Human Anatomy, Structure, Functions, Psychological, Physiological, the Human body myth and understanding of its immunity system, diseases that affect it, Healthy living, Biotechnology and Study of Genetic evolution and its engineering.

The Pre Historic Life Gallery is a delight for all children and students who enjoy a visit to this section of the museum. Spread over an area of 960 square metres, this section displays over 25 exhibitions based on all life forms that have existed through the prehistoric period some of which have become extinct also via recreation in model formats. Life forms of 35 different species like Giant Scorpions, Trilobites, Dinosaurs and Neanderthal man are being displayed with special light and sound effects to enhance the interest and ambience of this gallery. Other aspects like the formation of earth, land, geological changes due to natural calamities, evolution and climatic changes, the origin of life on earth, water and their extinctions are also seen in this section.

The Fun Science Gallery is another section spread over 960 square metres greatly enjoyed by students and children as it converts the conventional methods of teaching science and its attributes into unconventional style via practical depictions and a simple philosophy and concept of Keep-It-Simple-Make-It-Fun or KISMIF. It displays over 113 interactive exhibitions including a 3-D Theatre and a new facility devoted to teaching kids about the scientific world and its uses.

The Information Science Gallery depicts over 40 exhibitions on a 960 square metres area based on the evolution of communication and its technology over the past 6,000 years from primitive, Analogue formats to digital formats and how its impact has seen the change or evolution in Society and mindsets of individuals.

The Emerging Technologies Gallery was recently inaugurated on 21st July 2007 and established with the main aim to promote the emerging technology of India. This section depicts all the aspects of an emerging scientific world which answers many questions like converting sea water for usage of drinking and household purposes, inventing an important organ like the 'heart' in laboratories to be replaced with a damaged one, inventing new methods and techniques of creating power for our daily electricity needs, invention of unbreakable glass and many other interesting ideas.

The National Science Centre Museum also organises various Indoor and Outdoor Activities based on environmental issues and awareness, Community and commemorative programmes like 'World Population Day', 'World Telecommunication Day', 'World Health Day', 'National Science Day', 'World Ozone Day' and many such events and themes. Activities and Camps are also organised to explore the creative ability of children through various experiments, painting competitions, clay modelling, recycling of waste products, Study of Nature and other concepts of Science under the supervision of experienced staff members. The Museum library homes a wide collection of over 250 CDs and video cassettes of films based on various science topics which can be enjoyed by all students and visitors through a Film Show organised by the Museum Authorities.

The Museum has a huge Auditorium that can be used at a nominal charge with a seating capacity of 320 people and with complete air-conditioning facility equipped with audio and visual technologies. Conference Halls, Cafeteria and Parking Facilities are also available for visitors. The Entry fee for viewing the museum alone is INR 20.00 per head, Entry fee for Students School group is INR 10.00 per head and Package Group is INR 20.00 per head and Entry into the 3-D Film Show for an Adult is INR 20.00 and for a child is INR 10.00. However, entry fee for children below the age of 5, the physically challenged people and service personnel with Uniform is free of charge. Parking fee for a four wheeler is INR 10.00 and for a two wheeler is INR 5.00. This museum is opened on all days between 1000 hours and 1700 hours except on gazetted holidays and photography is allowed only after obtaining prior permission from the museum authorities.